Semi-finalist Q&A: American Mixed Martial Arts

American Mixed Martial Arts offer mixed martial arts training to children starting at 3 years old through adults. Their biggest program is their After School Program where we provide a constructive alternative to day care. They provide childcare for K-8 graders looking to get social values, discipline, and structure with their after school pgm.

Information from her grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Also, don't forget to cast your vote! YOUR vote will determine which entrepreneurs most deserve to be amongst the finalists.

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My husband started martial arts when he was 10. 23 years later we have a full service MMA facility. When we first opened, in 2003, we decided to offer a transported after school pgm to give parents a better option for after school. It wasn't until recently, about 2 years ago, that we have started to provide scholarships to children in need. The only problem was that we were having to absorb the cost ourselves, and that was getting a bit hard.

What do you love most about running your own business?

The simple fact that the vision that we see can be implemented without corporate holding a certain "Standard" over our heads. We have had the freedom to be able to change lives and this is simply b/c we run our business for these children. Everything we do is to benefit them positively.

What makes your business unique?

We are unique in that we have many opportunities within our school for students to exceed. We have competiiton opportunities, ways to help them achieve character and MMA scholarships for college, we have community service opportunities, and also leadership opportunities. We basically create champions for life - helping each child be the best that they can be in all that they do.

What are some of your top business-related accomplishments, or business lessons learned?

We expanded after out 3rd year of business into a bigger space; we have given back to Pinellas County Schools for the past 8 years; we volunteer our time at Plato Academy to teach their after school program martial arts once per week; we have promoted over 10 black belts that are changing the world out there.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

If you love children and want to help change the life of one, you should vote for us. We will be giving this grant to an under privledged child to attend our facility in hopes to be able to help them reach success in every way possible. :-)